FTF (Free the Fish)

My district has three teachers: Hermano Litznberger, Hermano Monroe, and Hermano Barfuss. Each teach at a different time during the day. We usually have Hermano Litznberger on Monday and Wednesday mornings. He is like a breath of fresh air. The reason for this is because he'll tell personal stories about himself in ENGLISH! It nice sometimes to actually understand everything he says. However, he still teaches in Spanish. Well on Wednesday we were discussing fishing and Hermana Snow (my companion) is very opinionated especially when it comes to feminism, the earth and animals. (You could call her a hipster/hippie because we do ;)) She made a comment that she liked fishing because most fish live in a nice pond and are free most of their lives. Then an Elder made a comment saying there are places where they are kept in a big tank all squished together. So her and Hermana Felt who kinda has the same opinions decided that they would be Free The Fish. Thus FTF came to be. They plan on making big once they get off their missions! Hahaha We have some fun times in the MTC.

One thing I miss is things being clean. The MTC is great when in comes to spiritually learning however I wish they would understand that, "Cleanliness is close to Godliness." There is hair everywhere in the showers, and the place we dump our trays at in the cafeteria makes me sick because of how awfull it smells. I find myself taking a big breath before I enter. In fact it is so gross I have a crazy story to tell. I believe it was Tuesday night. A girl had thrown up in the sink. Now that itself isn't bad. Most of us understand if you can't make it to the toilet then the sink is the second best place... HOWEVER, she didn't clean up... in fact no one did. Then Hermana Moore became the hero. She cleaned the sink herself! She's amazing at Spanish and amazing at kindness. In fact she reminds me a lot like Britt.

Speaking about puking... There was epidemic on Tuesday - Wednesday. The MTC said it was the flu but all of us (even the victims) think differently. It was right after the devotional on Tuesday night. (The speaker was amazing by the way) The zone gathered together with the branch presidency to discuss their thoughts. We all went around sharing. We were almost done when Elder Cockriel (an elder from my district) rushed out of the room and never came back. No one knew why. My guess it was that he had to throw up because it made the most sense. It turned out I was right. When we were all back in our dorm we were discussing how bad we felt for him. Then Hermana Moore made a comment. She was apologizing in advance if she left the room a lot during the night because she had terrible diarrhea. We all said that it wasn't a big deal and go to bed. around 1 in the morning I woke up to Hermana Moore going out of the room and didn't think twice about it. We wake up and find out that she had been puking during the night. My companion and I went to breakfast (to get the other two some as well) and find out that 3 elders and another sister in our zone also were puking during the night. I was/am convinced it was food poisoning and I'll tell you why. If you have the flu you feel sick even before you puke. None of the victims even felt sick they all felt fine right up to the time they knew they were going to vomit. AND they all got sick the same night. And it wasn't just my zone. I heard of at least 40 other cases of sickness and the MTC had fed the staff as well and some of the staff got sick. The MTC told all those who went to the health clinic that it was the flu. Flu my butt! However, the only reason I would doubt my theory would be because I would hope the MTC is honest. But I am still not really convinced. All of the "flu" victims were better by the next day and have been able to function properly. You don't have to worry about me. I am now all healthy and I didn't get whatever they had(:

Another crazy thing! Hermana Snow ran into her boyfriend last Friday (after I had already written you)! We walked into the cafeteria and a teacher stands up and calls out, "Alison?!" (that is Hermana Snow's real name) and she turns and puts both of her hands to her face in shock. I felt so awkward so I just walked away leaving her to deal with the problem. (You can separate while in the cafeteria) It was a while and I had already started eating my food when I felt like I should go find her and make sure she's okay. So I headed towards the wrap bar where she was headed for before the encounter. I found her almost in tears. She never did cry (not until bed time) and the whole zone had to be very sensitive while around her. She was ready to break at any time. As we headed out of the cafeteria and headed for class we ran into him again! Again I felt awkward so I kinda just back off. I don't know how she is handling this and I am so grateful that I don't have a distraction like that! Heavenly Father really blessed me!

One sad thing that happen this week is that the old district left. It is crazy to think that my district is now the oldest and that we are going on our fourth week here. I am going to miss them so much. Though, my district might be able to study better now that our main distraction has left. Since the old district is gone that means all the branch responsibilities fall on my district. However, my companion and I got lucky. Some how we missed getting a calling! hahaha. I am so grateful that I don't have more responsibility on my shoulders, it is already hard without a calling.

Since I've kinda shared some negative stuff I think I should share some fun and happy stuff. I hope it doesn't look like I am having a horrible time here in the MTC, in fact that is totally false. I am having a great time and learning so much!

Okay so few funny things. #1. Grant decided to send me pictures of his dream bike (bike meaning crotch rocket). So now I have two pictures of crotch rockets in my photo album and I already have an explanation if people ask why those are there. "OH! Well those are pictures of my friend's dream bike. I am not sure why he sent them but I figured I would keep them." It so funny that he would send those to me only because that morning my teacher, Hermano Monroe showed us a picture of HIS new crotch rocket. I like his better only because Hermano Monroe's bike is blue and Grant's dream bike is yellow. >.< I hate yellow. hahaha #2. On Sunday the whole zone is suppose to write a talk. The reason for this is because we don't know who will be picked to talk and it has to be in Spanish. Its a surprise. It's kinda scary but its also hilarious to hear the sighs of relief when you know that you don't have to talk. I have been lucky, I haven't been picked yet!

My Spanish is improving, though slowly, it is defiantly getting better. In fact I'll end with a story about our investigator Israel (who really is Hermano Barfuss, one of my teachers). Now Israel is a complicated situation. He has been attend the Church for SIX YEARS. His wife is a member and he has had several sets of missionaries. On Saturday we were preparing for our second lesson with him when... I wouldn't call it a vision but I closed my eyes to say a prayer and I saw, my companion and I teaching Israel and I saw and heard someone baring testimony and the spirit was so strong that there was tears. It happened just like that! Hermana Snow bore her testimony and it was so powerful! She was crying, I was tearing up and so was Israel! The amazing progress that we had in that lesson didn't stop there. The next lesson was just as powerful! And my Spanish came so easily to me! So it is definitely getting better.

I also want to apologize if you have wrote me a letter and I haven't responded. I am getting better at it now that I don't have to sleep during my free time. Also during the broadcast look for a girl wearing a blue shirt with gold buttons and straight hair(: that's me!

Love you guys so much!

Hermana Durfee

PS. Picture 1: Is the first walk back from the Marriot Center

Picture 2: That is my zone. It's not a perfect picture of all of us but pretty much as good as you're going to get haha

Picture 3: That is me and Elder Wyckoff. He was my favorite Elder in the old district and I am going to miss them so much!

Missionaries Find Everything Funny!! :D

It might be because we are stuck in a place that could almost resemble a prison (besides all the spiritual experiences though I know Joseph Smith recieved revelation in Liberty Jail so the MTC could be a prison) but missionaries are dying for any sort of entertainment. I have a few examples; One: Two Sundays ago we watched Legacy and when there was that romatic drama we changed into a bunch of elementary kids and when they kissed... YEP! We all went EEEWWW or the other response OOOHHHHH! Another Example: One of the elders in my distirct got a bouncy glowing ball in a package and we find so much entertainment in tossing it around and hitting it against the wall. We are in a classroom all day except that one hour of gym and so we find ourselves laughing at the stupidest things! I know I have mentioned before that the MTC is trying to get me fat right? Well one of the hermanas in my district Hermana Moore said this yesterday, "I think the MTC is the witch in Hansel and Gretel. We're locked up, eat food all day, sit all day and get fat and then at the end.... They'll eat us!" Its an interesting analgy. Pretty accurate I think. :D

 

Wednesday the 5th (Last week) and Wednesday the 12th we got three new districts in our zone. The first two have four hermanas and four elders each. The newest district that came this Wednesday have NINE elders and NO sisters. And the Oldest district is leaving this next week so even though we have only been here a little over 2 weeks we are now the oldest. I can't believe that we are going into our third week!

There has been some major events lately here at the MTC. The first one is last Wednesday (the 5th) they had 900 missionaries enter the MTC! The most ever! Another crazy event is that we are now having Tuesday Devotionals in the Marriot Center! and just the choir at the devotionals (which I am in by the way) has over 1800 missionaries! So this Tuesday we made the short walk out of the MTC to the Marriot Center! My first thought when I was out was "RUN! YOU'RE FREE!" Kidding... Well I mean it did come to my mind but it was just in jest. The Devotional was so good! Elder Arnold spoke! and AAHHH his testimony shook my heart! It was so strong! If I have time at the end I'll share a few thoughts when I give my spiritual thought. The last major event! It hasn't happened yet but on the 23rd there is a huge Missionary Training Broadcast. I have no doubt that you have heard about it because Dad is in High Counsel. The First Presidency and most of the 12 apostles will be there! AND! Well I'll be singing in the choir there! :D EEEEEEE so! look for me okay? I'll be in the Alto section! They also mentioned it will be made into a video so that the world can see it! I am kinda excited!

 

Callie (my cousin for those who don't know) left this Monday. She lived in the same building I did so I took her a airplane snack for all the goodies my companion and other hermana had received. It was so hard to say goodbye to her. I might have cried... So she is now in Kentucky serving the Lord. I am kinda jealous I wish I could be out there right now. However, the Lord wants me here so I will work my hardest to learn spanish.

I am so grateful that I am not attached to a boy while I am on my mission. My companion, Hermana Snow, has a novio (a boyfriend) and it probably would be that bad but here is the catch! Her boy has a job here, IN THE MTC, teaching Japanese. She's always worried (or I believe excited) to run into him while she is here. She hasn't yet but every time we are outside walking to another building she looks out for those white name tags (the teachers wear white name tags, missionaries wear black). It gets better... worse... He actually SAW HER! He was in a building and saw us walking! He knocked on the glass trying to get our attention but was unsucessful. I will be honest with you, I hope she doesn't see him. I think it would distract her even more! I don't know how she handles it and I am glad I don't have to.

 

Last Saturday Hermana Moore got the stomach flu. So she slept all day in our room to get better. Luckily none of us got the flu from her HOWEVER.... I am sick. I got an AWFUL cold this last Tuesday. It was so bad that it sucked all the energy and color from my face. I was shaky and weak all day. We had to teach on Tuesday also! So I slept and hoped and prayed that I would be better before we had to go teaching. It didn't happen. So I slept all day until 5 and by then I had gotten enough rest and enough food that I could go to the devotional. I felt bad for my companion who had to stay in the room because I was sick but I am also grateful for her because she was willing to help me in any way she could.  I still have my cold but it is not nearly as bad. I will be excited when I can breathe out of both my nostrels! haha

I have run into a few people I knew from BYU but the best person to run into was Sister KAREN ROSE! Not sure if you guys remember her but she is from our stake. She came into the MTC last wednesday but the best part is that she's learning portugese in the same building and same floor so I now see her all the time! So Callie leaves but I now have Karen so its all good(:

 

I am still struggling with spanish! I am so grateful I am not learning some crazy language like Russian or Chinese! If I am struggling with español then I would be a mess if it was something else! Haha. Even though its hard I have the best teachers in the world! I have three main teachers. Hermano Litznberger (sp?), Hermano Monroe and Hermano Barfuss. Each teacher has their own way of teaching. Hermano Litznberger is a breath of frest air from all the spanish. When it comes to personal topics he'll talk english and we talk and talk (we meaning my district). Hermano Monroe has shared some crazy spiritual experiences however he is so intimidating. I have no idea why but he is. When I am speaking spanish to my companion he'll come over and listen and all of the sudden I wont know how to speak at all, in english or in spanish. He is one of our investigators so that is kinda hard but it's helping me get over how intimidating he is. And then there is Hermano Barfuss! HE IS SO AMAZING! (and cute but that has nothing to do with anything).  He was our investigator at the very beginning and then became our teacher. He is so sincere and positive! I am so grateful for him! We were doing individual coaching and it was my turn and he really boosted my  self-esteem. The Lord really does send the right people into your life when you are struggling.

Alright! I think I made up for my short e-mail last week! Before I go I do want to leave you with a spiritual message. Deuteromy 31:8 "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." The underline part. He will not fail us! No matter what we are going through he will be there for us and direct us! 

Okay I love you all! Work Hard, Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

 

PS:
Picture 3: I drew a picture of my district! :D
Picture 1: Callie's last night here in the MTC!
Picture 2:  On our way to the Marriot Center

A little about what is happening at home... and let's hear from Sharlee "Make it to Sunday"

Hello everyone,

My name is Josie Durfee. I am Sharlee's sister. I am very excited to say that I will report next year for a mission. I have been able to go on mini missions that the church has every year. They are kind of like a real mission, but only for three days, and you are not a real missionary. You just help out the missionaries, and kind of get a feel for what it is like in the mission field. I have been able to go an two mini missions and they were what really made me want to go on a mission. I was able to serve and think about others, and was able to be the most like Jesus Christ during those times that I went. I really hope that I will be able to go this year, however with all the changes that are being made due to age, and boundary changes in missions I may not. If that happens that is okay... because I have been able to go for two years. Anyways, enough about me let us hear from Sharlee about her wonderful mission!!!

Sharlee's letter:

 

"Make It To Sunday" That's what everyone says here! And I can tell you that it is so true! AND I've made it passed that! I'm going on my second week! Another thing they say is, "The days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days!" That too, is a true statement! Now I only have 5 weeks here instead of 6(:

The first thing that is on my mind is the food. I am not a fan. My companion knows me well enough to know that I probably will just say, "Meh" if she asks me how the food is. I just don't enjoy it very much. We eat so close together. Breakfast at 7 a.m., Lunch at 11:40 a.m and Dinner at 4:40 and we are in class all day, sitting all day! I get the feeling that they want me to get fat. O.o hahaha There is gym scheduled into our day about everyday of the week but being who I am and never liking exercising I find myself just playing volleyball each time. Actually I really love it!
I find myself struggling at the language and often times I feel like I should just be put into the beginners class. I have to constantly remind myself that I am where the Lord wants me to be. He knew that it was going to be hard for me to pick up the language. It will strengthen me. The same day that I wrote my last email, My companion and I taught our first lesson to an investigator (an actor) IN SPANISH! It was so nerve racking and like I already said the language isn't coming as fast as I would like. We have taught four lessons since and slowly but surely I improve. One thing we (my companion and I) need to focus on is to not get nervous! Another is to stop giving so much background information. My companion likes to explain every detail in our lesson before we get to the main points. Eventually I told her if we are to get our points across we need to be more precise. We practiced with one of our teachers last night and she commented how good it was that we kept to the basics.

My companion, Hermana Snow, is wonderful. Our personalities really fit well together and we are able to strengthen each other's weaknesses. There have been times where she makes me a little frustrated but that's in every relationship.

 The best thing about the MTC is my Branch President, President Tyler. (I am pretty sure I mentioned him in the last email). I have learned so much from him! Whenever he talks, and I really mean whenever, I always get a paper and a pen out to take notes. Another thing I learned is from one of my teachers, Hermano Monroe, If we love our investigators we WILL invite them to be baptized the first lesson. That concept seemed so foreign to me. I thought we should help them and teach most of the lessons before we ask them to get baptized. It was a real eye opener. We don't teach another investigator till next Monday (it will be a first lesson) but when we do we will start off with the invitation to be baptized.

This email is kinda short and I apologize. Next week will be better I promise! Don't forget to write letters! It is so nice and helps so much! Use dearelder.com! It's free while I am here at the MTC!

Much Love and hugs!

Hermana Durfee

Picture 1: Those are the other sisters in my District! and they room with us also!

 

Picture 2: My companion and I(:

 

 Picture 3: That is my district! I have to say its the best district here! We all love singing! And now we are singing on Sunday for sacrament meeting!

Llamados a servir (called to serve)/ sorta goodbye

  

 What better way to celebrate a mission than by eating ice cream before you leave with the coolest sisters (and nephew) ever?!

 On Memorial Day, the Monday before Charlee left, we visited our Grandpa Durfee's grave and made it look nice. We dug out the grass around the head stone and put pine cones there. The idea is that because we dug around it, the pine cones will stay until next year!

 As Alex mentions below, when we dropped Char off at the MTC, we walked up to the Provo Temple and took pictures. This, obviously, is the goofy one. 

 There were quite a few cameras flashing so we were never sure which one to look at.

 Charlee was sad that her nephew, Joshua, slept through her goodbye so she kissed him on the head as consolation. 

 All I can say is, watch our Uncle Chad in the background. 

 *From Left to Right: Mindy Swasey, Brittney Durfee Ward, Uncle Chad Durfee, Alex Durfee, Rosamund Durfee, Charlee Durfee

 *Pictures uploaded and commented on by Brittney Durfee Ward

      Well folks, Charlee is gone. This is Alex, and I will be posting her emails along with Josie. She is so excited to serve the Lord in Denver, Colorado. Her goodbye was awesome.
      For those of you that don't know, when you are dropped off at the MTC it is about 50 seconds. You get out while other missionary's grab your bags, maybe kiss your parents goodbye, and then poof, your gone. We had decided beforehand that we were going to park elsewhere and say our goodbyes there so it wasn't to hard. We parked by the Provo temple and took pictures and said goodbye, and yes I cried. It comforts me to know that, that is where she needs to be and that in 18 months she will be back and when she is, she will be a changed person.
    I want to remark on the changes I have already seen in her. She came home in January to be with the family, for a semester, and by doing this she became closer to us than she ever has been before. Charlee helped make life easier for not only me, but the entire family by working hard to keep things smooth when contention arose and helping mom with the family business. Before she decided to go on a mission she was not very... close to us, often focusing more on her boyfriend than her family. Then her call came and she was changed. She became a sister that I will forever turn to for help.
    I love her so much and I hope you all will let her emails touch your lives like she has touched mine.
-Alex Durfee

This is Charlee's email

AHHHHHHH!!! I bet you guys weren't expecting this!! I've only been in the MTC for three days and look! You're already getting an email! The MTC president told me to write a letter since most missionaries wouldn't be able to email till next week! I did write a letter yesterday because I wasn't sure when if I would be able to email! BUT to my lovely suprise I can! So I'm just going to type the letter and then add stuff that has happened since then.

Dear Wonderful Family

My P-Day is tomorrow but I am not sure if I will be able to email, or if I just have to wait for next week. I have some free time only because of my awful showering habit. We (my companion, and another comanionship in our district) just had gym time and I just played volleyball so I felt no need to shower. I wonder what the other sisters think about my stinky habit but haha, its whatever.

My Companion is Hermana Snow. She's from the D.C. area. She is 20 and turning 21 in August. I am so greatful for a companion that is my age. No offence to you wonderful pre-missionaries that are going at 19. I just felt that I could connect with her better. However, she graduated in 2010 so that means she has three years of college under her belt. She attends BYU as well (thats a plus) and she laughs at mostly everything I say, so I am off to a good start. The other hermanas are Hermana Moore and Hermana Felt. Both are fantastic. Hermana Moore is AMAZING at spanish! She's taken about 6 years of spanish, so she's prertty pro. Hermana Moore is 20 as well and Hermana Felt is 19. One of those ;). Next week we might get another companionship staying in the same room. (You can fit 6 to a room. I know! Crazy!) But at the moment it's nice just to have the four of us. I should mention that we are all in the same district. (For those who are reading this from the blog, for missionaries we are spilt into Zones and then from the Zone we are split into Districts so that you have smaller classes). We only have one other district in our Zone. I am pretty sure the Zone leaders are younger then me and I find that a little weird but the Lord works in amazing ways.

It's been amazing here. I am not too overwhelmed yet, just a little tired. I really want to take my regular nap! PSYCH! None for you Hermana Durfee! Take all the naps you can get and remember your long lost daughter/sister/friend trapped in the MTC. But besides being tired I am extremely happy! Yesterday (which was Wednesday) we went to a meeting of some sorts and there were 3 investigators (actors who played investigators). In a group of about 50 we all taught one investigator at a time. The first one was very frustrating. We couldn't seem to get through to him. But the second one was WONDERFUL! Even though he was an actor I felt the Spirit testify to me that I am where I am supposed to be! Not just that but as missionaries what we are teaching is true!

The language... well its coming! Tonight my companion and I have to teach someone all in espanol for about 30 minutes. I am still trying to learn how to bare testimony and pray in spanish let alone teach it. I read my scriptures both in English and in Spanish. I am reminded of The Other Side of Heaven. I pray for some kind of miracle like that.

(End of letter)

I never finished writing because it was lunch time. The food here just reminds me of BYU food. Actually a lot of the MTC reminds me of BYU.

Last night we met with our Branch Presidency. (Again for those who have no clue what I am talking about, Our church is split into Stakes all over the word which are then split into Wards (if you have a large congegation) and Branches (if you have a small congregation). President Tyler is amazing! He talked about being in Peru while observing the seminary progress there. He saw a small old man carring a huge load. Most of you probably know what I am talking about. He said they used a head brace called.... (Cant remember, Look it up. I am jealous of those who can use google at any time) to help carry the load, and he gave us 5 points.

1. When carrying a load use your head even when there is sweat. (When trials get tough use your head and hard work)

2. Bow your head. (Pray)

3. Keep your knees bent. (More Prayer)

4. Small steps. (Slow and steady)

5. When the load gets heavy you rest the load on the rock. (When the trials get hard, to hard to bare, rest your load on the rock of our Savior).

I hope everything is going great for you guys! I miss you! Work Hard! Know that you are in my prayers! And keep in mind a sister missionary trying to get through the six weeks of the MTC!(:

Most importantly, Don't Do Drugs! ;D

Love,

Hermana Durfee

PS. If any of you notice me getting fat say something! All we do here is eat and then sit in a class room ALL DAY!

PS. Thought I would send some pictures! :D Enjoy!

1 Picture: Me and the Elders who don't even know we're snapping pictures of them.

2 Picture: My companion and I(:

3 Picture: Callie and her Companion Sister Smith, and Me and my companion! We see eachother often and live in the same building! I love her so much! And though you cant see it, I am wearing my Halo shirt. Me = Awesome! :D

Much love and Hugs!

 

Here's To The Beginning!

For those who thought I had reported already, I just want to say PSYCH! I don't report till next Wednesday, the 29th. I left for a little vacation with my family on the 22nd. At the moment, I am in Denver staying with my cousin Lindsey who lives here. So I'm pretty much getting a sneak peak of where I'll be serving. I am absolutely loving this weather! I forget how much I don't miss humidity.

So I report in five days! AHH! As my report date approaches it becomes more real. What actually made it an official reality was what happened on Tuesday. On the 21st I was set apart as a missionary. Even though I still had a week before I report I had/have to obey the missionary rules as best I can. (Minus me posting on my blog and getting on Facebook). The funny thing is, is that I already miss movies. Here I was going to go watch Star Trek and Epic before I go and I can't now... -sigh- Well it was the price I paid eh?

Being set apart by my Stake President was a wonderful experience.  He blessed me with peace, safety, the gift of tongues, love and other things that put my busy mind to rest. I am excited to gives these coming years to the Lord but it will (already has) definitely require sacrifice and dedication on my part. That is why I was grateful for the comfort my blessing gave me.

Today I got my MTC address! For ALL of you that read my blog remember you already promised to write me! So here is my address so that you can.

Sister Charlene Bailey Durfee
JUL08 CO-DENN
2013 N 900 E Unit 322
Provo, UT 84602

And this is the address you will write to when I'm in the field, unless I tell you otherwise.

Sister Charlene Bailey Durfee
1250 Main St
Broomsfield Colorado 80020

The email rules also changed just recently so you can also email me on charlene.durfee@myldsmail.com. I get to email once a week on my P-Days. When it comes to email though I will first email family.We only have limited time to email so if I don't respond right away don't be offended. I will try my hardest to email you back. If I had a choice I would prefer you write me instead of email.(:

I also thought I would post my farewell talk on here.(: It is a little long, just to warn you(:

"For those who don’t know me, my name is Charlene Durfee. Now, normally I wouldn’t want to start off my talk with the typical, “For those who don’t know me…” but seeing as that there are so many new faces that I don’t know they probably don’t know me. In fact just this last weekend in the Relief Society News Letter that we get every week I noticed that my name was in the list of Young Women making the transition into Relief Society even though I graduated two years ago. However, I understand the confusion. Many times people mistake me as the younger sibling to all my little sisters and brother, expect for Rosamund but that’s only because she hasn’t passed me in height yet. Though that is coming soon, she keeps on measuring herself to me just waiting to pass me up like everyone else has.

I’ve been currently attending BYU and this past fall semester I was going through some hard trials. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t where God intended me to be. Then in October, our wonderful President Thomas S Monson stood up and announced the missionary age change. For me, the call to serve came immediate. In March of this year I will be gathering Israel in the Denver Colorado North Mission speaking Spanish. These past few months I’ve been studying hard so that I am prepared to gather Heavenly Father’s children. I never knew how great of a responsibility missionaries had. To me, they became more of super heroes in my eyes. That is why I think the topic assigned to me to speak about is absolutely perfect.

            To The Rescue, this year Liberty Stake theme, is my topic today. It is also the title of an April 2001 priesthood session talk given by our prophet Thomas S. Monson. That source will be the foundation of my talk today.

            In his talk he starts off by saying, “Brethren, (or sisters) the world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. The blessings of eternity await you.” It might just be me but when I read those few lines I got a little teary eyed and thought the huge responsibility we have as members of the Church to reach to those who can’t enjoy “… The blessing of eternity…” like we can. Every day as I watch the people around me function without the gospel I am in awe. I couldn’t even imagine if I didn’t have the gospel in life.

            The responsibility to gather is not just for those who don’t have the gospel but to those who have accepted the gospel but have fallen away. President Monson once got a letter from a husband who had strayed from the iron rod. It reads,

            “Dear President Monson:

“I had so much and now have so little. I am unhappy and feel as though I am failing in everything. The gospel has never left my heart, even though it has left my life. I ask for your prayers.

“Please don’t forget those of us who are out here—the lost Latter-day Saints. I know where the Church is, but sometimes I think I need someone else to show me the way, encourage me, take away my fear, and bear testimony to me.”

            President John Taylor warned us, “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty.” I for one do not want to be held responsible for those who I couldn’t bless because I lacked in my duty.

            This responsibility is a heavy burden. But the great thing is that it is not a load we have to bare alone. Our Father in Heaven and Our Savior are there to help! Thank goodness! President Monson goes on to quote the play Shenandoah, “If we don’t try, then we don’t do; and if we don’t do, then why are we here?” There are many ways that we can try to save souls, inspire hearts, encourage minds, grasp hands, and steady feet.

While growing up in the church I relied on the testimony of my parents. I DID have a testimony but not a full testimony. We lived in Utah for 13 years of my life so I never really had an opportunity to share the gospel or even be an example. That changes when you move to a place where you become one of the few (very few) Mormons in your school. Surprisingly I was a quiet shy person. There were many opportunities I could have invited a friend to church or to an activity but I didn’t. I can’t count how many times my mom would suggest it and I would say, “I don’t want to. I’ll just be an example.” When I moved away and was on my own I couldn’t rely on my parents to help me make decisions. It was there I began to really build my testimony of Jesus Christ. I learned to trust in Him because he knows my heart better than I do.

While during my many trials at school I came across this scripture, it’s in Mosiah 24 during the time Alma the Elder and his brethren are being suppressed by Amulon. In verse 15 it reads, “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yeah, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” Submitting cheerfully and with patience to the ALL the will of the Lord I finally gained my personal testimony. I also realized that being an example was no longer enough.

President Monson continues, “The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives—our lives and the lives of those with whom we labor. As He said to the dead Lazarus, so He says today: “Come forth.”  Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth.”

Those lives we touch will be changed by our Saviors love. In which President Monson says is the catalyst, the principle of love. It can change lonely and suffering men into righteous and loved men. He also says, “Another principle of truth which will guide us in our determination is that… men can change. I’m reminded of the words of a prison warden who taught this fact. A critic who knew of Warden Duffy’s efforts to rehabilitate men said, “Don’t you know that leopards can’t change their spots?”

Warden Duffy responded, “You should know I don’t work with leopards. I work with men, and men change every day.”

Reach out to lost loved ones, lost friends, make strangers your friends, show them the light which you hold in your hearts that they too can change. Abraham Lincoln said, “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.”

Our Prophet gives us counsel on other ways to reach out, “There are other ways, as well, by which one might lift and serve. On one occasion, I was speaking with a retired executive I had known for a long time. I asked him, “Ed, what are you doing in the Church?” He replied, “I have the best assignment in the ward. My responsibility is to help men who are unemployed find permanent employment. This year I have helped 12 of my brethren who were out of work to obtain good jobs. I have never been happier in my entire life.” Short in stature, “Little Ed,” as we affectionately called him, stood tall that evening as his eyes glistened and his voice quavered. He showed his love by helping those in need. He restored human dignity. He opened doors for those who knew not how to do so themselves.”

Do as President John Taylor asks and “magnify your callings”. The wonderful Bishop of this ward is led by the Spirit who is directed by our Heavenly Father. Our callings come from God. Be a friend, be an example, touch lives. I hope that when I stand at the bar of God I can honestly say that I did my best and that I can have a portfolio filled with people I helped bring to this wonderful gospel.

Now since it is Mothers day, I want to express my love to my Mom who has indeed saved my soul. Even during those awful teenage years she was protecting me even when I refused to see it. I think mothers are saviors themselves. I look at my own mom and watch at all the sacrifices she makes for her children so that they can grow to know their Heavenly Father. Thanks Mommy, for the love, the protection, the guidance, the foundation. I wouldn’t be going to serve the Lord in Colorado if it wasn't for you.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

This is also the last time I will post. BUT! My emails that I will write my family will be posted here every week. So don't go anywhere. I want to share my adventures with you!

I love you all so much! Thank you for all the love, the encouragement, the support. Hope to see you guys in 18 Months! <3

Char!

Sister Durfee, You Report In 30 Days!

Yesterday, I hit the big 30 Days Left mark. I am officially nervous. For awhile there I was pretty proud at how well I was handling my decision to serve. I wasn't feeling anxious that my report date was so far away, I wasn't nervous, I was pretty confident that I was doing well in preparing for my mission, clothes, study, spiritual wise. Now, I find myself scrabbling to get things done. I still need to buy more clothes, I don't feel ready at all in my Spanish, and I am not quite sure my testimony is strong enough for the hardships the mission brings. However! There is one thing that I know I can count on and that is my Father in Heaven. Even though I am nervous I am not worried. Now, if I was scared that would be a totally different story. But, that's not the case, so even though there is still so much to do I know that everything will be okay. Its great to have the Lord to fall back on.

I also got a great schedule going. I wake up around 6:40 and I get my scripture, and Preach My Gospel reading in, write in my journal, and study Spanish all before 7:30 am rolls around. It took a lot out of me at the very beginning (I've never really been a morning person) but now my body enjoys having so much in the day to do stuff.

I also have a wonderful experience to share. This happened about a month ago. This story mentioned happened at my local Wal-Mart. Just a half of an hour before I had deposited money into my account so could buy some things that I needed. I collected my things in my little shopping basket and headed to a checkout line. The cashier rings up my stuff and the cost came to a total of $48.16. I swiped my debit card and it didn't go through. However, I wasn't really worried because I had cash and I didn't need everything in the bag. I had 45 dollars so I was 4 dollars short. But like I said before not everything was needed. I was willing to loose some stuff when the woman behind me asked for the difference. She brought out a 5 dollar bill and paid for the rest. I was so amazed by her kindness. I told her thank you and she said, "Don't worry about it. I've been in your situation before. Just pay it forward." I then went searching for my mom. I relayed the story to her and she started to crying a bit. "Isn't it Missouri people great?!" Now my mom and I might be a little biased but I lived in Utah for thirteen years of my life and people in Missouri just seem kinder.

NOW ANNOUCEMENT TIME!

On May 12th, I will be giving what is called a farewell talk at my church and ALL of you are invited. To be honest, I think it will be the last time I see most of you at least for a year and a half. The church service starts at 10 a.m. and lasts for an hour. Afterward there will be light refreshments at my wonderful home. If you can't attend my farewell talk (but I really want you to) I would love to see you guys at my house at 11:30 a.m. The church's address is:
211 Ash Street
Gallatin Missouri 64640

All of you have made a huge impact on my life. I can't even thank you enough for the love, the friendship, and the fun I have had! I seriously wouldn't be my amazing self ;) if it wasn't for how amazing you guys are! I hope to see you soon! I promise I will post before the 12th to remind you!

OH! I am also sending out invitations! So if you would like one please leave your address in the comments. If that is to public for you I am pretty sure I am friends with all of you on Facebook so just message me there!

I love you all! Hope to see some of you soon! Don't do drugs! And don't forget to smile(:

A Little Taste of Foreign Holiday

(This is Brittney.) I finally found my thumb drive with all my mission pictures on it! In the middle of reviewing said pics, I found this video. It's really low quality and really shaky, but it is one of the few that I have.

It was taken on November 26th, 2006. I had been companions with Sora (Sister) Nettesheim--we called her Sora Nett--for about 2 months (she is the one sitting at the table). Then what should happen? President Ashby (every mission has a mission president that oversees all the missionaries) sent us a new companion! We became a threesome, which didn't happen very often in Romania back then. We were loving it! We had a lot of fun together. But this day, November 26th, we found out that Sora Valcaneantu (VUL-KEN-YAN-TSOO) was leaving again, and we had only been together for two weeks. To capture the moment, we put it on video.(By the way, I say "pa" at the end which means "bye" or "ciao")

My mission was one of the happiest times of my life. Not because I was vacationing in a foreign country, but because I was working hard and serving people as much as, and as best as I could! Well did the Savior say, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).

In fact, it was in this same area, in Brasov, that I met a young man who helped me realize this truth. We had been teaching a young woman named Iuliana (YUL-LI-ANA) and she seemed really interested.  She wanted to share what she had been learning with her boyfriend, so she brought him with her to one of our discussions. We tried to go about our lesson normally, but it was clear that her boyfriend (I don't remember his name, but for the sake of the story, I'll call him Sam) had only come to antagonize and deter us.

Sam asked, "Who are you?" Confused by his question, I tried to explain what we had already told him before, that we were missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that we were trying to share a message about God and His plan.

He shook his head, "No, who are YOU?" and he pointed his finger at me.

Still a little confused, and praying that I could answer his question correctly, I told him that I was Sora Durfee. I was a daughter, of God. He had sent me on this earth to learn and to grow. Because I knew this, I had purpose, and because of His son, I could better myself every day.

Again, the young man shook his head. He was getting angry (which is not the reaction I had hoped for). He said, "No. Who are you without God? If someone were to ask ME that question, I would say, 'I am Sam. My favorite color is. . .I like to. . . etc.'"

Stunned, I contemplated his question. I actually don't remember what I said after that, but I couldn't get over it, "Who are you without God?"

It is true; I could have told him my favorite color or my likes and dislikes. But in all reality, I would be nothing without God. It is He that gives my life purpose and meaning. It is for Him that I try to do everything. Granted, there are times that I forget to put Him first and I only think of myself, but when I succeed in doing things for Him first, and for myself second, my life aligns in the best possible way. I am a daughter of God, and I will try to act as such. I will try to serve His children as He has asked me to. Christ served others all His life. He gave the example of the Good Samaritan and then he said, "Go and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Life is so much more fulfilling when we dedicate our time to God, to helping other people and making them happy. It is in serving others that we discover who we are, what we are good at, and where our true potential lies.  And you don't have to be on a mission to taste that fulfillment, either. It can happen every day as we make time to notice, and meet the needs of those around us.

P.S. Iuliana eventually broke up with that boyfriend and then after some time, and after I had left the area, was baptized.